JunkYard814

Didn't somebody catch a would-be world record small mouth in Canada, and then ate it instead of weighing it?

I was having this problem about a week ago. Be patient and don't set the hook until you feel the weight of the fish. As stated earlier, they'll whack but don't really grab it. If they let it be, keep working the bait back to the boat. I had a smallie hit the same spook three times on a single retrieve before finally grabbing it.

I know the TFO Gary Loomis rods are color coded based off of their power ratings. Not sure how the rod is, but you could check a few of those out.

As for rods, I've heard great things about the Compre; comes with a lifetime warranty I believe. Anything St. Croix is never a bad choice either.

I know you stated you don't want different colors in your boat, but I typically find it much easier being able to quickly grab a technique specific rod because I know the colors of my set-ups. For example, I just missed a fish on my orange spinnerbait rod, and I want to throw a worm where I just missed it; quick grab my blue LTB. Or I just drifted over a ledge and now I want to start throwing deep cranks, boom got my purple/black Mojo. No sifting through the more specifics.

Went out fishing for a couple hours last night. Spent most of the time fishing 4" Senkos because I heard from a few people that the smallies were killing them. After about an hour and a couple fish I got bored so I decided to tie on a Zara Spook. I didn't really think the smallmouth would come to the surface for something like that, but I figured if there were any largemouth or pickeral in the area, I'd have a shot. After about 3 casts, a smallmouth absolutely exploded on it. For the next hour, it seemed like fish after fish. What a blast! I can't remember the last time I had that much fun fishing!

I just lined some 6lb InvisX on my President in the 30 size. Have fished it a few days with absolutely no problems. Casts well, have had no problem with management, and no breaking problems.

Always have a pair of Gerber's in my pocket and another smaller one in my tackle bag.

More than I'd like to admit

That's because you live near Marshall. We started the chant. http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/10/08/we_are.aspx http://www.ask.com/question/we-are-marshall-chant Notre Dame does it too.

Looking at getting the Smoke. Hopefully they drop the price on it when they come out with their newer models, like they do every year.

Glad you like your new reel. Get ready to open that wallet up, because once you start, there's no turning back.

6'6" M or 7' MH Berkley Lightning rod shock. I think it retails for about $50. You could toss pretty much anything on that rod.

While I don't doubt that an aluminum or magnesium frame is better for a reel, this reel is going to be used for bass fishing. I have 2 presidents that I use for bass, pike and cats. I have never had any problem with one breaking.

If your getting a spinning set-up, I would definitely recommend the Pflueger President Spinning reel ($50). Very fun to use. Spend the rest on a rod, there's plenty of rods in that price range, and you don't necessarily have to use the full amount. A couple good rods around that price range are: Shimano Compre, Abu Garcia Veritas, St. Croix Premier, *** ***. There are several rods below that price range that you good go with an I'm sure some people will chime in on.

I almost went with the Gen 2 Revo STX last spring and then tried the Lew's TSS and thought I had found my reel for the future, but I like the collecting part of the equipment almost as much as fishing it. Almost.

Thanks!

When I click the link, there is an error, but I did read the Forum Rules and FAQs in the top right corner. I understand that it is about how many posts you have made, but I see many people with customized ones, including your own.

How do I change the header above my picture, which I believe says Minnow or Dink right now.

Enjoy your new combo. Out of every brand of rods and reels I own, I only own two from the same company (a St Croix Mojo, and LTB). I actually almost make a point not to get the same brand, because I like to try everything out. An Abu Revo is next on my list, or a Quantum Smoke (even though I already own a Quantum). Edit: That's not entirely true. I have pretty much settled with Pflueger spinning reels, although I'm always open to trying something else out.

Awesome tips guys! Can't wait to try em out. I'll report back with my results when I get the chance. Sweet combos too!

They ran one a couple weeks ago too. I just picked up a legend tournament bass rod that I was just posting about.

I have a 3 year old Quantum Catalyst PT paired with my 6' M Lightning Rod and think its a great all around set up. I use it for spinnerbaits most of the time, but I'll throw top waters, shallow cranks and jigs on it from time to time. It was pretty much my first casting set up and it was an incredibly fun set up to learn on and I still love using it. I know Cabela's has the Catalyst PTS on sale for $100 right now, but I pretty sure that's a salt water model so it's probably heavier. Check it out though.

The rod by itself is extremely light, but it seems almost laboring to keep the tip up with the reel. I don't really want to add anything to it either, but if I find that the weight distribution is too much of a pain to deal with than I may have to. I was concerned that a heavy reel would make the problem worse. I thought the reel weight was sitting too far up the rod causing the balance to be off. I guess I'll have to go to the nearest shop and start matching reels to it and see what I like best. (probably should have done that in the first place)

So I finally have a reel paired on my new Legend Tourament Bass ML/XF rod. Right now its the Pflueger President 6730. I haven't gotten to fish it yet, but the rod and reel pairing feels extremely tip heavy. Does that mean I should get a smaller/ lighter reel for the rod? I've also seen weights for the butt of the rod, but will that decrease performance in anyway? Any advice you guys have that can help me fix the problem would be appreciated. Also if anyone has this rod, could you let me know what you have paired with it and why you like or don't like it? Thanks for the help.